Double Dhamaal creates record amongst sequels

By Bollywood Hungama News Network -

May 28, 2011 - 1:41 AM IST

Double Dhamaal could well be looking at record books as far as Bollywood is concerned. In the history of sequels that have been churned out so far, this riotous comedy is the first ever film to see each of the five principal protagonists along with director being retained from Part One to the sequel.

Double Dhamaal creates record amongst sequels

"Dhamaal (2007) featured Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, Riteish Deshmukh, Jaaved Jaaferi and Ashish Chowdhry in principal roles and was directed by Indra Kumar. Now the same team has been retained in the sequel as well. This is a first by a long distance as practically ever sequel so far has seen a change either in the cast or the director", says a trade veteran.

He goes on to rattle down a dozen odd instances to substantiate his claim.

"While Phir Hera Pheri retained Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal, the leading ladies changed. Also, Neeraj Vora directed the film instead of Priyadarshan", he continues, "Rajkumar Hirani, Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi teamed up for Munnabhai sequel but Vidya Balan replaced Gracy Singh. Dhoom has seen only Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra being retained with leading ladies as well as villains continuing to change. Ditto for Koi Mil Gaya/Krrish where only Roshans are the constant factor. Golmaal Returns saw Sharman Joshi dropping out though amongst leading ladies Kareena Kapoor has managed to retain her place between Golmaal Returns and Golmaal 3."

Well, seems like this record for Double Dhamaal would be pretty much retained for long in future as well. If one looks at the line up of sequels which are releasing over next 1-2 years, practically each of them is seeing a change in the cast or director.

"Akshay Kumar has come in place of Ajay Devgn and Emraan Hashmi for the sequel of Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai. Jacqueline Fernandez has replaced Mallika Sherawat in Murder 2. Rajat Kapoor is no more there in Bheja Fry sequel. Katrina Kaif is coming in place of Priyanka Chopra for Dostana 2", he details, "All leading ladies have been replaced in Housefull sequel and Arjun Rampal is out as well. Kaante would have an entirely different cast. The only film which has retained it's principal cast is Don 2 with Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra coming together. However Double Dhamaal has an edge since it has many more protagonists than Don 2."

Riteish Deshmukh, one of the key actors in Double Dhamaal, was taken by surprise when told about this record. "Oh really, none of us ever realised that", he exclaims, "Yes, it is a nice record to make after all. I will tell Induji (Indra Kumar) about it."

Detailing the need behind the same cast being retained, Riteish says, "It wouldn't have made sense if any of us would have been missing. Unlike many other sequels which have basically built a franchise, we are actually taking the story forward from where we left in Dhamaal. In fact at the beginning of the film, we would also be showing a recap of Dhamaal."